I didn't see posted what kind of wood it is? I like the natural flare at the top. I have no doubts you will work wonders with it Will.
_________________May we all get to have a chance to ride the fast one
Walk away wiser when we crashed one
Keep hoping that the best one is the last one

Funny you see no chips, Cy.
When I don't know what to carve next I sweep up,
& hope it comes to me.
I sweep up a lot.
Mike this is the freshest Cypress I've ever carved.
This log was just cut down. The wood crys when I sink the chisel in.
It was picked out for the bell at the bottom,
now the headdress.
I don't know what will happen when it dries,
but it carves like a green apple now.
So far a real pleasure.

I think he fingered out the solution to carving Cypress - you have to carve it fresh, while its wet. He's keeping it covered to keep the moisture in. The wood is carving nicely, it will be interesting to watch this dry. I'm thinkin the more he carves the fewer cracks will form, because the wood will have the ability to twist and stretch. For now it looks awesome and will only get better as he progresses.